How are you supposed to know which workout will meet your needsespecially, when some are so similar?

Both are low-impact, combine strength and flexibility, and have connections to dance.

But which is right for you?

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Experts in This Article

What is barre?

Thus a new method of low-impact exercise was createdThe Lotte Berk Method.

In the 70s, the modality was brought to the United States by Berks student Lydia Bach.

Two young women practicing ballet with a teacher in the dance hall.

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Its interval training, saysLara Meehan, co-owner ofThe Bar Method Nohoin New York City.

We use short, intense spurts of targeted muscle work, immediately followed by stretching to lengthen the muscles.

Each exercise is meant to be done to fatigue.

Woman doing hip exercises

Everyones legs shake like crazy because their thighs are bearing their full weight, she says.

After that, she guides the class in various thigh stretches.

We move through the body systematically, get the muscles warm and pliable, and then we stretch them.

Cropped image of woman doing lunge yoga pose

How it works in the body:

Barre strengthens muscle groups through repetition.

For example, most peoples hip flexors are tight from sitting in a chair all day, she says.

This process strengthens rather than breaks down the body.

Woman in leggings and bra doing Lunge with Arm Extended Up pose hip opener stretch during yoga session in morning at home.

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Pilates was developed by German bodybuilderJoseph Pilateswhile working as an orderly during World War I. Pilates can be done in group classes as well as through private instruction.

Like barre, Pilates is low-impact, and centered on strength/flexibility exercises.

We just make them a little spicier.

Woman doing arm exercise without weights while sitting on mat at home.

How it works the body:

All Pilates exercises start from the core.

It provides better alignment, posture, and longer, stronger muscles, Levi says.

I have clients in their late 70s as well as clients in their 20s, Meeham says.

A woman in sports clothes does yoga or gymnastics at home. Daylight. She smiles

Ultimately, your choice of exercise is going to come down to preference.

Do you prefer smaller pulsing movements that are done to fatigue?

(Barre) Or, do you like a workout that involves a wider range of motion?

(Pilates) Do you like to move to music?

(Barre) Or do you prefer following your breath with more of a mind-body approach?

Its as simple as that!

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